HBO Max Orders ‘Penguin’ Straight To Series
by Erik Amaya
The story of The Batman will continue in a currently untitled “Penguin” limited series on HBO Max.
The streaming service announced Wednesday that the program, which will star Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot, has received a straight-to-series commitment. The Batman director Matt Reeves, producing partner Dylan Clark, Farrell, and Lauren LeFranc, will serve as executive producers. Additionally, LeFranc will write the pilot and serve as showrunner.
“I have long been a fan of the world of The Batman, and Matt’s film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon. I am excited and humbled to continue telling stories in the grimy world of Gotham City — and what better excuse to channel my inner villain than to tell the story of Oswald Cobblepot?” LeFranc said in a statement.
Farrell added, “I couldn’t be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin. Will be good to get him back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness and a little mayhem.”
First revealed late last year, the series was framed as prequel. But now that audiences have seen The Batman, it seems clear the program will be a sequel. Indeed, Farrell previously mentioned “Oz” is not comfortable with being called “The Penguin” during the time of the film and its easy to imagine coming around to it will be part of the character’s arc. Of course, it is still possible for the show to be set during The Batman‘s “Year One.”
As with all newly announced projects, it is unclear when the program will stream, but considering the speed at which Peacemaker followed The Suicide Squad, it is possible the Penguin series could premiere in a year’s time.
